Essendon’s Mitch Brown declares Bombers ready to soar toward finals

Mitch Brown has declared anything is possible for resurgent Essendon with their makeshift forward line hitting its straps in the second half of the season.

The Bombers have won four of their last five matches to move within touching distance of the top eight, averaging 96 points a game in their victories during that period.

The hot streak has coincided with Brown’s return from a calf injury and he has stood out in the continued absence of Joe Daniher, who has not played since round seven because of groin troubles.

Swingman Brown has been used in attack in partnership with fellow tall Shaun McKernan, with the pair contributing seven and nine goals respectively over the past five weeks.

Mark Baguley has also been pushed forward, matching regular goal sneak Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’s haul of six goals in that time.

The potency will be further boosted by the return of lightning quick goal sneak Orazio Fantasia from adductor injury against Fremantle on Saturday, while leading goal kicker Jake Stringer is expected back from a calf injury in a fortnight.

“Over the last five weeks we’ve had a bit of a new look, but I feel like it’s working,” Brown said.

“There’s still another six games to go and I feel like there’s been improvement every week.

“Hopefully over the next few weeks we can improve more.

“Fantasia will be a massive boost. He’s a great player.”

Brown suggested Essendon’s improvement had come from their pressure and competitiveness.

“Our contest work is where it starts from in the midfield and that’s been a big focus for us,” he said.

“That and the pressure around the ball.

“Against Gold Coast last week in the second half I thought our forward pressure was elite and that’s been helping us a lot.”

Essendon are warm favourites to beat Fremantle, who have been poor on the road this season but thrashed Carlton on their most recent trip to Melbourne and beat top-four candidates Port Adelaide last week.

The Bombers then face a tough run, with four of their final five matches against teams currently above them on the ladder.

“Finals is a definite chance,” Brown said.

“It is pretty tight around the eight and if we perform well over the next six weeks I think we’re every chance.

“If we make it, anything can happen, for sure.”

Essendon can’t afford to take Fremantle lightly.

“It’s been a bit up and down for them, but they’ve been in some decent form,” Brown said.

“They had a good win last week and they beat us earlier in the year by a couple of goals.

“They got us through the middle a bit (in round two) with their run and carry, so that’s something we’ve got to rectify.”